PCOS and Infertility

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in which individuals have small cysts that develop on their ovaries, sometimes inhibiting menstruation and ovulation. Individuals with PCOS have excessive levels of androgens, which can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular menstruation, and symptoms of hyperandrogenism. PCOS can also cause infertility since this hormonal imbalance inhibits ovulation in the body. One way to treat infertility is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), in which the ovaries are stimulated to create multiple egg-containing follicles from which eggs are retrieved, fertilized outside of the body, then inserted into the uterus. Individuals with PCOS are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and endometrial cancer. Some ways of treating PCOS include oral contraceptives to balance hormones, and drugs like metformin to decrease insulin and androgen production. Infertility-specific medications, like clomiphene and follistim, stimulate the production of estrogen and FSH, which thereby increases fertility.